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Sir Bert Massie announced as new Commissioner for the Compact alongside £7m funding boost
Phil Hope, Minister for the Third Sector, today announced the appointment of Sir Bert Massie as the new Commissioner for the Compact. In his role, Sir Bert Massie will push for greater public sector compliance with the Compact, the agreement defining Government's responsibilities in dealing with charities and voluntary groups.
Phil Hope has also pledged an increased investment to the Commission for the Compact of £6 million over the next three years, ensuring it has all the necessary resources to get the job done. And Compact Voice, which represents sector interests, will receive nearly £1 million in funding, also up from the previous year.
Sir Bert Massie brings a wealth of experience to the role as an international expert in equality and social policy, having worked in the voluntary sector for 40 years. He has led both governmental and charitable organisations and has contributed to the drafting of UK legislation affecting disabled people.
With the increased funding settlement, the Government is confident the Commission for the Compact will have the necessary resources to drive-forward its commitment to be a better partner for the sector.
Phil Hope, Minister for the Third Sector, said:
"Sir Bert Massie has the passion, knowledge and experience to get the job done. Working in partnership, government and the third sector can do much more, particularly reaching the people who are most in need. I am determined that the Compact underpins all our dealings with the third sector, and I am pleased we now have the people, the money and a plan to make the state a better partner.
I also want to thank Helen Baker for her excellent work as interim Commissioner, building a stronger relationship between the sectors through the Compact."
Sir Bert Massie said:
"I am delighted to have the opportunity of contributing to the work of ensuring that the voluntary and statutory sectors work together closely to improve and enhance the services and support they offer to the public. The Commission for the Compact will ensure that the Compact is a living document that influences action."
Simon Blake, Chair of Compact Voice, said:
"Compact Voice looks forward to working closely with the new Commissioner to get the Compact implemented and ensure better outcomes for the people both sectors serve. The voluntary and community sector is keen to see its relationship with the Government improve: these are exciting times for the Compact and now is the time for action. We welcome the Government's continued investment in the partnership."
The Office of the Third Sector (OTS) has also agreed an implementation plan setting the key milestones on the path to partnership. Developed in coordination with Compact Voice and the Commission, the plan lays out what is expected from each of the three partners in order to improve the impact and support of the Compact.
Notes to editors
1. The Office of the Third Sector in the Cabinet Office leads on the Government's commitment to create the conditions for a thriving third sector. For further information see: http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/third_sector.aspx
2. Sir Bert Massie CBE has worked in the voluntary sector for 40 years and has served on a number of government advisory committees. He is a former Chairman of the Disability Rights Commission, now part of the recently created Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), and Chief Executive of RADAR, the Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation. He is currently a Commissioner for the EHRC in conjunction with his new role at the Commission for the Compact. Sir Bert was created a Knight in 2007 in recognition of his services to disabled people
3. Photographs of Sir Bert Massie with Minister Phil Hope are available on request.
4. For more information on the Commission for the Compact and the joint implementation plan, see http://www.thecompact.org.uk.
5. For more information on Compact Voice, see http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/compactadvocacy.
Cabinet Office Press Office 22 Whitehall LONDON SW1A 2WH
